Tow Dolly brakes or not

[JD Sharp]

We just purchased a Mini Cooper (manual) to tow behind our motorhome. The MH is a 2000 Winnebago Chieftain 34Y with V10 310HP and electric brake assist. My question is the Mini only weights 2600lb and I am not required to have brakes on the dolly for Washington state. As we are weekenders a couple one week trips, do I need the addition braking? If so are surge brakes sufficient?

 

[JackT]

Are you flat towing or using a dolly? You mention getting a manual transmission so that sounds like you are flat towing yet you mention a dolly.  In many states, you need brakes for anything over a thousand pounds and surge brakes typically fit the bill. However, legally required or not, I prefer more braking power to less.  I tow a Honda Accord on a dolly.  The dolly weighs about 700 pounds and the car nearly 4000.  I has a short period where my dolly brakes were not working and I could tell a big difference in stopping power.  Of course, you have less weight but there may come a time when some fool pulls in front of you and you will really value those few extra feet of stopping ability.  Just my opinion....
JackT

 

[JD Sharp]

Thanks - If I decide on dolly it will have surge and if we tow four down I will get a Brake Buddy.

 

[Marsha/CA]

FYI, surge brakes can be a problem sometimes.  They engage...then disengage; all at the times you don't want them to.  You might be happier with electric brakes on the dolly if you decide to go that direction.

Marsha~